1997 Buick Skylark Owner's Manual - Page 238

Adding Equipmentto the Outsideof Your Vehicle Things you might add to outside of your vehiclecan the affect the airflow around This may cause wind noise it. and affect windshield washer performance. Check with your Buick dealer before adding equipment to the outside of your vehicle. of pinging. It'sthe heavy, constant knock that means you have a problem. If your vehicleis certified to meet California Emission Standards (indicated on the underhood tune-up label), it is designed to operate fuels that meet California on specifications. If such fuels are not available in states adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission control system performance Fuel The Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher. may be affected. malfunction indicator lamp on on At aminimum, it should meet specifications ASTM D4814 your instrument panel may turn and/or your vehicle may fail a smog-check test. If this occurs, return to your i the United States and CGSB n 3.5-M93 in Canada. for the Improved gasoline specifications have been developed by authorized Buick dealer diagnosis to determine cause of failure. In the eventit is determined that the the American Automobile Manufacturers Association cause of the conditionis the type of fuels used, repairs (AAMA) for better vehicle performance and engine may not be covered by your warranty. protection. Gasolines meeting the AAMA specification could provide improved driveability and emission control Some gasolines that are not reformulated low for system protection compared to other gasolines. emissions contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT); Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If the octane is ask or less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when your service station operator whethernot his fuel you drive. If it's bad enough, can damage your engine. contains MMT. General Motors does not recommend the it use of such gasolines.If fuels containing MMT are used, If you're usingfuel rated at 87 octane higher and you or spark pluglife may be reduced and your emission still hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. control system performance may be affected. The But don't worry you hear a if little pinging noise when malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel you're accelerating or driving uphill. That's normal, a may turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized and you don't have to buy a higher octane to get rid fuel Buick dealerfor service.